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What is a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm,
Xenia Morin Ph.D.
introduction image

A laboratory assistant/ phlebotomist performs venipuncture and finger sticks on patients of different ages. These patients may be carriers of infectious agents. They collect specimens from patients and staff, check their condition and necessary information, and distribute specimens to the appropriate staff. They welcome patients and obtain information such as medication, insurance, and the likes. Besides this, they maintain a clean and properly stocked phlebotomy room. Additionally, they document test information and answer phone and direct calls.

Laboratory assistants exist in hospitals, clinical labs, medical and surgical centers, blood donation centers, and government facilities, among others. To become a lab assistant/ phlebotomist, you need a working knowledge of phlebotomy techniques and equipment. Having relevant certification is a plus. You will also need at least a high school diploma. Your salary ranges from $26,000 to $49,000, with an average salary of $35,400 per annum.

What general advice would you give to a Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist?

Ethan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcmEthan Kentzel MS, MLS ASCPcm LinkedIn Profile

Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science and Phlebotomy Programs, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

You completed an MLS program and you have learned a ton of information in a short span of time. However, there is still so much to learn for Medical Laboratory Science! We recommend that you do your best to grow into the role, practice with a questioning attitude, participate and advocate for the field, consider joining our advocacy group - the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). If you have not taken your ASCP MLS BOC exam, we highly recommend that you do as a way to validate your learning experiences and to optimize your long term career growth.
ScoreLaboratory Assistant/PhlebotomistUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,553

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.6

Growth Rate 10%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 12.00%

Black or African American 10.16%

Hispanic or Latino 17.71%

Unknown 5.14%

White 54.18%

Gender

female 82.86%

male 17.14%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
9.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
8.7

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist career paths

Key steps to become a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

  1. Explore laboratory assistant/phlebotomist education requirements

    Most common laboratory assistant/phlebotomist degrees

    Certificate

    32.9 %

    Associate

    22.9 %

    Bachelor's

    16.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patients18.46%
    Blood Specimens13.19%
    Customer Service4.96%
    Phlebotomy Procedures4.51%
    Specimen Collection4.43%
  3. Complete relevant laboratory assistant/phlebotomist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New laboratory assistant/phlebotomists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laboratory assistant/phlebotomist resumes.
  4. Research laboratory assistant/phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

    • Order doctor prescribe lab tests, perform EKG's, answer phone calls, and order inventory.
    • Respond to stat collection assignments within fifteen minutes and in accordance with protocol.
    • Work effectively in a fast pace setting and prioritize duties for routine and stat testing.
    • Receive and acquire patient's body fluids, prepare and process EKG's on adult and children.
  5. Prepare your laboratory assistant/phlebotomist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your laboratory assistant/phlebotomist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist Resume templates

    Build a professional Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist resume.
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    Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist Resume
  6. Apply for laboratory assistant/phlebotomist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist Job

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Average laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salary

The average Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist salary in the United States is $34,553 per year or $17 per hour. Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salaries range between $27,000 and $43,000 per year.

Average Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist Salary
$34,553 Yearly
$16.61 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do laboratory assistant/phlebotomists rate their job?

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Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Cons

I really like everything about being a Medical Technologist. Is a great profession


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

The interaction, conversations and making the patients feel safe as I make it my main priority to do my job.

Cons

When I miss the vein


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2021
Pros

Providing patient care and a safe environment for people that needs my services.

Cons

Missed orders or anything that hinders patient care.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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